Congressman Jerry Nadler Endorses Andrew Gounardes for New York State Senate

BROOKLYN, NY; Aug. 28, 2018 -- Congressman Jerry Nadler has endorsed Democrat Andrew Gounardes for New York State Senate in Brooklyn’s District 22. Nadler’s endorsement is especially meaningful as his district includes a significant portion of District 22 including the neighborhoods of Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, and Gravesend.

Nadler is the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee and one of the fiercest opponents to the Trump agenda. He has been an outspoken and staunch defender of voting rights, civil liberties, marriage equality, a free press, and a woman’s right to choose. Nadler was also a co-sponsor of the 9/11 Health Act and has consistently fought for healthcare for our first responders.

“Albany needs progressive leaders like Andrew Gounardes,” said Congressman Nadler. “Andrew has proven himself a leader in our community, speaking out against discrimination, hate and inequality, and standing up for women, immigrants, people of color, and the LGBTQ community. I’m proud to support him for New York State Senate and look forward to working with him to represent the people of Southern Brooklyn.”

“Congressman Nadler is a hero of the progressive movement,” said Gounardes. “He has led the fight for marriage equality, voting reforms, and ending racial profiling. He’s a brilliant legislator and constitutional scholar who has tirelessly fought for social justice and equal rights for all. I am honored to have his support.”

About Andrew Gounardes

Born and raised in Bay Ridge, it was in Southern Brooklyn where Andrew Gounardes started his work in public service. As an aide to former City Councilmember Vincent Gentile, he helped neighbors solve everyday quality of life problems. Currently, he serves as Counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and as a trustee of the New York City Employees' Retirement System, one of the largest municipal pension funds in the country. Before serving at Borough Hall, he worked for Citizens Committee for New York City, a non-profit that provides neighborhood improvement grants to community groups across the five boroughs. He also served on Community Board 10 and is a longtime member of the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Bay Ridge.

After Superstorm Sandy, Andrew co-founded Bay Ridge Cares, an organization that prepared 25,000 hot meals for victims after the storm. Today, the organization still supports community members facing extraordinary need by providing them with emergency assistance. As a member of the Riders Alliance, he organized and formed the Concerned R Train Riders to fight for better service and demand handicapped accessible subway stations in South Brooklyn. He helped write and pass legislation to combat dangerous home conversions, and continues to work toward helping those who are displaced from unsafe living conditions.

His work with Bay Ridge Advocates for Keeping Everyone Safe (B.R.A.K.E.S.) successfully pressured Albany lawmakers to allow speed cameras in school zones. As an advocate for art and culture in our neighborhoods, he served as pro bono legal counsel for the Bay Ridge Storefront Art Walk (S.A.W.) and as past president of the Bay Ridge Historical Society.

Andrew graduated from Fort Hamilton High School before going on to earn degrees from Hunter College and the George Washington University Law School.

Andrew’s Endorsements

Andrew has been endorsed by NYSUT, the local chapter of United Automobile Workers, the District 1 chapter of Communications Workers of America, SEIU 32BJ, DC9 The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, The Working Families Party, Bay Ridge Democrats, Brooklyn Young Democrats, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Southern Brooklyn Democrats, Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, Stonewall Democrats of NYC, Stars & Stripes Democratic Club, Congressman Jerry Nadler, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, City Council Members Justin Brannan, Brad Lander, Mark Treyger, Alan Maisel, and Lew Fidler, 41st AD State Committeewoman Lori Maslow, Assembly Members Peter Abbate, Jo Anne Simon, and Robert C. Carroll, Former Council Member Vincent Gentile, Chairperson of the Kings County Democrats Frank Seddio, and Run for Something. He has also been named a Gun Sense Candidate of Distinction by Moms Demand Action.

About District 22

District 22 comprises the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, and Gravesend, as well as portions of Sheepshead Bay, Borough Park, and Midwood.